Palm Beachers remember Oscar de la Renta

David Rogers

Wednesday

Oct 22, 2014 at 12:01 AMOct 22, 2014 at 3:43 PM

Fashion lost a legend Monday with the death of Oscar de la Renta.

The Dominican-born fashion designer’s clothes have been a favorite of first ladies, celebrities and society women for more than five decades. He died at age 82 from complications related to cancer at his home in Kent, Conn., according to The New York Times.

The designer was a gentleman who created clothes that managed to be visually stunning and comfortable, said a number of Palm Beach women who have worn his fashions for decades.

"The words that were absolutely synonymous with Oscar were elegance and class," Hillie Mahoney said.

Mahoney met Mr. de la Renta in 1973 at a fashion show in Paris when her late husband, David Mahoney, headed a conglomerate that owned the Halston fashion house.

And, in spite of staying on top of the fashion world for decades — a difficult task — Mr. de la Renta stayed humble, Mahoney said.

"He was a consummate gentleman, always terribly polite. Never any arrogance. He was one of America’s top designers but in his demeanor you’d never know it," Mahoney said. "He was just a wonderful human being."

Virginia Burke agreed. "He had tremendous humility. That’s a beautiful way for someone to be who could have been very conceited — since he was the best," Burke said.

‘Timeless’ pieces

Burke, like others interviewed, called Mr. de la Renta a close friend. His clothes had a classic foundation but Mr. de la Renta’s use of different fabrics and his creativity made each piece exciting, Burke said.

"They are timeless. I’ve been wearing his clothes for many years, and they don’t go out of style. His evening dresses are beyond beautiful. They are exquisitve. I don’t think there’s another designer of his ability," Burke said. "I’m so sad he died."

"It’s a loss for all of us," Fanjul said. "And with him, it’s the end of a very elegant era."

She and her husband, Pepe, often entertained the de la Rentas at the Fanjuls’ home in Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. At those times, and when the de la Rentas hosted, Mr. de la Renta was usually dancing, singing or telling a joke, she said. "He was very simpatico," she said.

‘Sang like a bird’

Fellow Palm Beacher Pauline Pitt also enjoyed time with Mr. de la Renta in the Dominican Republic. "He sang like a bird," Pitt said. "He had incredible style and was so charming."

Mr. de la Renta’s stature was recognized in 1993 when France’s house of Balmain chose him to design its haute couture collection, Fanjul said. He did so for five years. He won Coty Awards, bestowed by fashion editors, in 1967 and 1968 and, in 1989, was given a lifetime achievement award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

Mr. de la Renta’s mission was to make women feel beautiful, and he accomplished that goal, said Fanjul, who said she’s particularly fond of some black-lace dresses she has from Mr. de la Renta’s winter collection.

"His evening gowns — the ones with the long trains that you’d wear to the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art — I’m not giving those away," she said with a laugh. "Those are taking up a lot of room in my closet. They were so glamorous."

Pitt agreed. "The style factor was extraordinary," she said. "Back in the days when we’d dress up more in the daytime in the city, you’d always look chic in an Oscar dress or suit. His suits were beautifully cut."

Kathryn Vecellio praised Mr. de la Renta "iconic style" and said he will be greatly missed by the fashion industry and millions of clients.

Hilary Geary Ross called Mr. de la Renta a renaissance man who adapted to the times. In addition to designing clothes, he designed outdoor and indoor furniture, and more, Geary Ross said.

"I have his beautiful planters and benches, and one of his canopy beds," she said.

Mr. de la Renta perfectly understood the lives of his clients because he lived that life as well, she said. He understood what women want to wear for a gala in Palm Beach or a quiet dinner at home in New York, Geary Ross said.

"He was the most charming person you could ever meet. If you sat next to him at dinner and talked about a book, you’d have the book the next day. He was an absolute delight," she said.

Peter Schuette, general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach, called Mr. de la Renta a "legendary giant" in the fashion industry and called his death a tragic loss.